Once-Per-Century Transit of Venus Occurs Tonight

The transit of Venus, an astronomical phenomenon in which the Sun, Earth, and Venus are parallel with one another, typically occurs once per century. According to a NASA expert, there have been only 53 such transits since 2000 B.C. We are fortunate that this rare alignment will occur in today's early evening's sky. (One warning: do not look directly into the Sun!)

Highly unusual celestial events are a wonderful way to stimulate young readers' natural curiosity about astronomy. One book pertinent to the buzz about Venus can be found in Enslow Publishers' "Far-Out Guide to the Solar System" series. Author Mary Kay Carson's Far-Out Guide to Venus delivers a scientifically strong, age-appropriate text about this second planet from the Sun. The 48-page, Guided Reading Level "N" book includes excellent color photographs, stories of discovery in each chapter, and a profile of a scientist.

The paperback edition of Far-Out Guide to Venus, including a free, brief teacher's guide, is available from Enslow Publishers for $7.95. A library-bound edition is also available to schools and public libraries for $17.95: that represents a 25% discount from Enslow's list price for its library-bound edition!

New Enslow Books Discuss Asteroids, "Doomsday Rocks," and Close Call Scenarios

Library ISBN: 978-0-7660-3673-4
PPB ISBN: 978-1-59845-221-1

Later today, an asteroid will pass within 202,000 miles of our planet. While scientists are confident the object, known as 2005 YU55, will not strike Earth, it is in astronomical terms a close call.

Two Enslow books offer useful, engagingly written information about asteroids and other celestial rocks. One book -- Doomsday Rocks From Space -- is written with reluctant readers in mind. Author Margaret Poynter's 48-page, Guided Reading Level "T" title, part of the "Bizarre Science" series, investigates the science of doomsday rocks and the danger they pose to the planet. She also explores scientific theories that maintain that an asteroid collided with Earth during the Age of the Dinosaurs, effectively spelling the end of that era and many of its creatures.

Library ISBN: 978-0-7660-3188-3
PPB ISBN: 978-1-59845-191-7

For students at Guided Reading Level "N," Enslow's Far-Out Guide to Asteroids and Comets offers a skillfully designed approach to the science and the intrigue of these phenomena. Author Mary Kay Carson's well-written book stimulates a reader's interest as well as does justice to the topic's science. This 48-page work, part of Enslow's twelve-title "Far-Out Guide to the Solar System" series, also includes a profile of a scientist, a timeline of exploration, and a collection of "Far-Out Facts" useful for reports.

Books in the "Far-Out Guide to the Solar System" series and the "Bizarre Science" series are available in paperback and library-bound editions. Teacher's guides are available for all books in both series. Paperback prices are $7.95 per title; special six-pack rates are also available when you order directly from Enslow Publishers or from Enslow Classroom sales representatives. Library-bound editions are also available, starting from $17.95 per title (price reflects a 25% school/library discount from Enslow's list price).

Books for Tonight's Full Lunar Eclipse

A full lunar eclipse will take place throughout North America this evening. This phenomenon presents a wonderful teaching opportunity and potential "hands-on" experiences for students learning about astronomy. Help your students grasp the exciting science involved in an eclipse with Enslow books, including our new Far-Out Guide to the Moon. Author Mary Kay Carson's beautifully illustrated 48-page title uses a concise, interesting narrative and strong, reader-friendly design to introduce young readers to the science, myth, and mystery of the Moon. Book has a free, downloadable teacher's guide, including activities connected to various curricular areas.

The book, part of the 12-book "Far-Out Guide to the Solar System" series, is available in paperback and library-bound editions.

Explore Night Sky with Enslow's New "Far-Out Guide to the Solar System" Series

This is a time of year when families go outdoors in the evening, enjoy the cooler air, and take time to look at the night sky. This stargazing can be a fun, rewarding experience, as kids can indulge their curiosity about the Moon, planets, and stars above them. The activity encourages children to read about what they've been observing during these late summer evenings.

Enslow Publishers' new "Far-Out Guide to the Solar System" provides an excellent, stimulating introduction to the elements that shape the night sky. The 12-title series encourages young readers to plunge into the world of astronomy, thanks to the books' superb, exciting design, excellent illustrations, and strong, accessible science. The series' editorial values also include age-appropriate text written by seasoned science writer Mary Kay Carson, with Guided Reading Levels ranging from M to N.

The "Far-Out Guide to the Solar System" is an outstanding choice for teachers searching for classroom library materials that address STEM curricular needs and reading development. Encourage your students to take home a copy of one of the books in this new Enslow Classroom paperback series! (Series also available in library-bound version.)